Spacer assembly

ABSTRACT

A spacer assembly for spacing panels is disclosed. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and has a front side and a back side. The body includes a first projection extending transversely from the bottom a first predetermined distance adjacent the second end and a second projection extending from the top adjacent the first end a second predetermined distance less than the first predetermined distance. The second projection is canted outwardly and the top additionally includes a sloped portion that is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection. A handle extends from the top away from the first projection at the second end and includes a first protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle and away from the second end and a second protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle toward the first end.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/119,876 filed Feb. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A spacer assembly for spacing panels.

2. Description of the Prior Art

While installing paneling (e.g. plywood, fibreboard, oriented strandboard waferboard, sheetrock), it is commonly recommended that panelinstallers fasten panels with a specific amount of spacing in order toallow for expansion or for other reasons. For example, the AmericanPlywood Association (APA) recommends that plywood panels used for roofsheathing are spaced from adjacent panels by ⅛″ at panel ends and edges.It can be time consuming to properly space panels with the recommendedspacing and job site conditions may result in uneven or insufficientspacing. Some installers resort to the use of nails inserted betweenadjacent panels which, instead of providing proper spacing may insteaddent the panels in the local area where the nail is sandwiched betweenpanels. Consequently, moisture and other environmental factors may causeexpansion of the panels which can lead to buckling of the panels alongany abutting edges. In a roofing application, expansion of panels usedfor roof sheathing typically cause what is referred to as “shingleridging.” Accordingly, there is an increasing need for improved devicesfor maintaining ideal spacing of the panels while they are beinginstalled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a spacer assembly isprovided. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top anda bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second endand having a front side and a back side. The body includes a firstprojection extending transversely from the bottom adjacent the secondend in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extendslaterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between thepanels and establishing a space therebetween. The body also includes asecond projection extending in a second direction generally opposite thefirst direction a second predetermined distance and extends laterallyfrom the front side to the back side for insertion between the panelsand establishing a space therebetween. A handle extends from the top ofthe body away from the first projection at the second end extendslaterally from the front side to the back side. The handle includes afirst protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle and away fromthe second end for enabling handling of the spacer assembly andfacilitating removal of the spacer assembly from between the panels.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a spacer assembly isprovided. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top anda bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second endand having a front side and a back side. The body includes a firstprojection extending transversely from the bottom adjacent the secondend in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extendslaterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between thepanels and establishing a space therebetween. The body also includes asecond projection extending in a second direction generally opposite thefirst direction a second predetermined distance and extends laterallyfrom the front side to the back side for insertion between the panelsand establishing a space therebetween. The second predetermined distanceis different than the first predetermined distance for enabling thespacer assembly to be used with both tongue and groove type panels andpanels without tongue and groove.

Thus several advantages of one or more aspects of the invention are thata single spacer assembly may be used for a variety of spacing uses. Thespacer assembly may also be handled conveniently by installers and maybe removed easily once panels have been fastened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspectof the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspectof the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspectof the disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a side view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6C is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect ofthe disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect ofthe disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, a spacer assembly 20 for spacingpanels constructed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure isdisclosed. A spacer assembly 20 according to an aspect of the disclosureis shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C, and includes an elongate body 22having a top 24 and a bottom 26 configured generally parallel to the top24. The body 22 extends longitudinally from a first end 28 to a secondend 30 and has a front side 32 and a back side 34. The bottom 26 of thebody 22 is generally planar and presents a first contact surface forabutting the panels. The spacer assembly 20 may be constructed from anysuitable material such as, but not limited to organic polymericmaterials, wood, or composite materials. The spacer assembly 20 may evenbe formed or stamped from ferrous or nonferrous metal, for example,sheet metal according to another aspect of the disclosure.

The body 22 further includes a first projection 36 extendingtransversely from the bottom 26 adjacent the second end 30. The firstprojection 36 has a first width W1 and extends in a first direction afirst predetermined distance D1. The first projection 36 also extendslaterally from the front side 32 to the back side 34 for insertionbetween the panels and establishing a space between the panels ofapproximately the first width W1. According to an aspect of thedisclosure, the first projection 36 is intended to be used withconventional panels having flat edges rather than “tongue and groove”panels. The first width W1 is chosen based on the approximate spacedesired between panels, so according to an aspect, the first width W1may be ⅛″ to correspond with the American Plywood Association (APA)recommendation for spacing of plywood panels used for roof sheathing.Similarly, the first predetermined distance D1 may be selected to enablethe first projection 36 to extend along the edge a distance greater thanor equal to the thickness of the panel. However, it should be understoodthat the first width W1 and first predetermined distance D1 can beadjusted for any number of factors.

The body 22 also includes a second projection 38 extending from the top24 adjacent the first end 28. The second projection 38 has a secondwidth W2 and extends a second predetermined distance D2 and extendslaterally from the front side 32 to the back side 34. The secondprojection 38 is additionally canted outwardly at a first angle α forinsertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panelsof approximately the second width W2. According to an aspect of thedisclosure, the second projection 38 may be used primarily forestablishing the spacing of “tongue and groove” panels. As a result ofthe “tongue” portion of the panel extending away from the edge of thepanel, it is desirable for the second projection 38 to extend into thegap or space between panels to the depth of the “tongue” portion ratherthan the entire thickness of the panel. In other words, when inserted, adistal end of the second projection 38 rests on the “tongue” portion asthe second projection 38 is sandwiched between panels. While the secondwidth W2 may be approximately the same as the first width W1, it may bedesirable for the spacer assembly 20 to enable a panel installer tospace panels at different spacing. It should be appreciated that, aswith the first width W1 and first predetermined distance D1, the secondwidth W2 and second predetermined distance D2 may be adjusted for anynumber of factors.

The body 22 additionally includes a sloped portion 40 extendinglongitudinally along the top 24 and laterally from the front side 32 tothe back side 34 and that is canted generally perpendicularly relativeto the second projection 38. The sloped portion 40 extends above the top24 (i.e. away from the bottom 26) and presents a second contact surfacefor abutting the panels. Because the second projection 38 is canted andthe sloped portion 40 is canted generally perpendicularly relative tothe second projection 38, the spacer assembly 20 is able to rest on apanel with the second contact surface of the sloped portion 40 abuttingthe panel.

A handle 42 extends from the top 24 of the body 22 away from the firstprojection 36 at the second end 30 for enabling handling of the spacerassembly 20. The handle 42 includes a first protrusion 44 extendinglongitudinally from the handle 42 and away from the second end 30. Thehandle 42 also includes a second protrusion 46 extending longitudinallyfrom the handle 42 toward the first end 28. While the handle 42 mayenable a panel installer to carry or position the spacer assembly 20, itmay also facilitate removal of the spacer assembly 20 using tools suchas a pry bar after the panels have been fastened down. The handle 42 asshown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C provides a built in storage feature,wherein the second protrusion 46 enables the spacer assembly 20 to behung from a belt without another clip or fastener. According to anotheraspect, the handle 42 could include additional clips, bores, slots, orgrooves which could aid in the attachment of the spacer assembly 20 to atool belt or otherwise simplify its usage. The protrusions 44, 46 eachhave a rounded or semi-circular cross-section, however it should beunderstood that the protrusions 44, 46 may take other forms or shapes.

In use, the spacer assembly 20 according to an aspect of the disclosuremay be employed in two primary modes. As the spacer assembly 20 is usedin the first mode (e.g. for panels that are not “tongue and groove”),the first projection 36 of the spacer assembly 20 may be placed orinserted between panels temporarily to ensure proper spacing of thepanels while they are being fastened in place (e.g. to roof rafters orfloor joints). While in the first mode, the first contact surface of thebottom 26 rests against one of the panels. As the spacer assembly 20 isused in the second mode (e.g. for panels that are “tongue and groove”),the second contact surface of the sloped portion 40 rests against apanel. Simultaneously, the second projection 38 of the spacer assembly20 is placed or inserted between the panels temporarily to ensure properspacing of the panels while they are being fastened in place. The firstcontact surface and second contact surface allow the spacer assembly 20to be “self-positioning,” in other words, the spacer assembly 20 restson panel or sheet and the depth and orientation of the spacer assembly20 is maintained without any further interaction with the panelinstaller.

A spacer assembly 120 according to another aspect of the disclosure isshown in FIG. 3 and includes an elongate body 122 having a top 124 and abottom 126 that presents a first contact surface for abutting thepanels. The body 122 extends longitudinally from a first end 128 to asecond end 130. The top 124 and bottom 126 of the spacer assembly 120extend from the first end 128 to the second end 130 in a divergingfashion. The body 122 includes a first projection 136 and a secondprojection 138 that is canted outwardly at a first angle α. A handle 142extends from the top 124 of the body 122 away from the first projection136 at the second end 130 for enabling handling of the spacer assembly120. The handle 142, however, only includes a first protrusion 144extending longitudinally from the handle 142 and away from the secondend 130. The body 122 additionally includes a sloped portion 140extending longitudinally along the top 124 and laterally from the frontside 132 to the back side 134. The sloped portion 140 is recessed belowthe top 124 and is canted generally perpendicularly relative to thesecond projection 138 to present a second contact surface for abuttingthe panels. As a result of the second projection 138 being canted andthe sloped portion 140 being canted generally perpendicularly relativeto the second projection 138, the spacer assembly 120 can rest on apanel with the second contact surface of the sloped portion 140 abuttingthe panel while the second projection 138 establishes a space betweenthe panel and a neighboring panel. Alternatively, the spacer assembly120 may be oriented with the first contact surface of the bottom 126 incontact with a panel and the first projection 136 establishing a spacebetween the panel and a neighboring panel.

A spacer assembly 220 according to another aspect of the disclosure isshown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C and includes an elongate body 222 having atop 224 and a bottom 226 that presents a first contact surface forabutting the panels. The body 222 extends longitudinally from a firstend 228 to a second end 230. The body 222 includes a first projection236 and a second projection 238. The second projection 238 is cantedoutwardly at a second angle α for establishing a space between thepanels. A handle 242 extends from the top 224 of the body 222 away fromthe first projection 236 at the second end 230 for enabling handling ofthe spacer assembly 220. The handle 242 includes a first protrusion 244extending longitudinally from the handle 242 and away from the secondend 230. The first protrusion 244 has a rectangular or squarecross-section, however, it should be understood that it may instead haveother shapes, such as, but not limited to a rounded or semi-circularcross-section as illustrated in spacer assemblies 20, 120 shown in FIGS.1, 2A, 2B and 2C. The body 222 additionally includes a sloped portion240 extending longitudinally along the top 224 and laterally from thefront side 232 to the back side 234. The sloped portion 240 extendsabove the top 224 and is canted generally perpendicularly relative tothe second projection 138 to present a second contact surface forabutting the panels.

A spacer assembly 320 according to another aspect of the disclosure isshown in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C, and includes an elongate body 322having a top 324 and a bottom 326. The body 322 extends longitudinallyfrom a first end 328 to a second end 330 and has a front side 332 and aback side 334. The top 324 and bottom 326 extend from the first end 328to the second end 330 in a diverging fashion. The body 322 furtherincludes a first projection 336 extending transversely from the bottom326 adjacent the second end 330. A handle 342 extends from the top 324of the body 322 away from the first projection 336 at the second end 330for enabling handling of the spacer assembly 320. The handle 342includes a first protrusion 344 extending longitudinally from the handle342 and away from the second end 330 and a second protrusion 346extending longitudinally from the handle 342 toward the first end 328.The body 322 also includes a second projection 338 extending from thehandle 342 away from the top 324 adjacent the second end 330. The secondprojection 338 is additionally canted inwardly (i.e. toward the firstend 328) at a second angle β for insertion between the panels andestablishing a space between the panels. According to an aspect of thedisclosure, the second projection 338 may be used primarily forestablishing the spacing of “tongue and groove” panels while the firstprojection 336 may be used primarily for panels that are not “tongue andgroove”.

Spacer assemblies 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 according to additionalaspects are illustrated in FIGS. 7-12. The disclosed spacer assembly maytake on a myriad of forms depending on the desired thickness of thepanels to be spaced and any specific orientation requirements as thepanels are installed. For example, panels may need to be tilted orcanted relative to an adjacent panel as the panel is being installed.Spacer assemblies 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 according to aspectsof the invention may take the form of being generally S-shaped (FIG. 11)or L-shaped (FIG. 12) for instance.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings and may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of theappended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted tocover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises itsutility.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spacer assembly for spacing panels, comprising:an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinallyfrom a first end to a second end and having a front side and a backside, said body including a first projection extending transversely fromsaid bottom adjacent said second end in a first direction a firstpredetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side tosaid back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a spacetherebetween, said body including a second projection extending in asecond direction generally opposite said first direction a secondpredetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side tosaid back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a spacetherebetween, and a handle extending from said top of said body awayfrom said first projection at said second end extending laterally fromsaid front side to said back side and including a first protrusionextending longitudinally from said handle and away from said second endfor enabling handling of the spacer assembly and facilitating removal ofthe spacer assembly from between the panels.
 2. The spacer assembly asset forth in claim 1 wherein said second predetermined distance isdifferent than said first predetermined distance for enabling saidspacer assembly to be used with both tongue and groove type panels andpanels without tongue and groove.
 3. The spacer assembly as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said second projection extends from said top adjacentsaid first end.
 4. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 3 whereinsaid second projection is canted outwardly at a first angle.
 5. Thespacer assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said body includes asloped portion extending longitudinally along said top and laterallyfrom said front side to said back side and being canted generallyperpendicularly relative to said second projection and presenting asecond contact surface for abutting the panels.
 6. The spacer assemblyas set forth in claim 5 wherein said sloped portion extends above saidtop.
 7. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said slopedportion is recessed below said top.
 8. The spacer assembly as set forthin claim 1 wherein said top and said bottom extend longitudinally fromsaid first end to said second end in a diverging fashion.
 9. The spacerassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second projection extendsfrom said handle away from said top adjacent said second end.
 10. Thespacer assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second projectionis canted inwardly at a second angle.
 11. The spacer assembly as setforth in claim 1 wherein said handle includes a second protrusionextending longitudinally from said handle toward said first end.
 12. Thespacer assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first protrusionand said second protrusion each have a rounded semi-circularcross-section.
 13. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid first protrusion has a rectangular cross-section.
 14. The spacerassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bottom of said body isgenerally planar and presents a first contact surface for abutting thepanels.
 15. A spacer assembly for spacing panels, comprising: anelongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinallyfrom a first end to a second end and having a front side and a backside, said body including a first projection extending transversely fromsaid bottom adjacent said second end in a first direction a firstpredetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side tosaid back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a spacetherebetween, said body including a second projection extending in asecond direction generally opposite said first direction a secondpredetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side tosaid back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a spacetherebetween, and said second predetermined distance being differentthan said first predetermined distance for enabling said spacer assemblyto be used with both tongue and groove type panels and panels withouttongue and groove.
 16. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 15wherein said second projection extends from said top adjacent said firstend.
 17. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein saidsecond projection is canted outwardly at a first angle.
 18. The spacerassembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said body includes a slopedportion extending longitudinally along said top and laterally from saidfront side to said back side and being canted generally perpendicularlyrelative to said second projection and presenting a second contactsurface for abutting the panels.
 19. The spacer assembly as set forth inclaim 18 wherein said sloped portion extends above said top.
 20. Thespacer assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first projectionhas a first width and said second projection has a second widthdifferent than said first width.